The cure to choosing better over bitter

 

    Something happened over the past couple years that left me feeling a level of anger that I had never felt before. By the world’s standards letting my anger turn to bitterness, taking revenge or hoping that they suffer in some way would be justified. Yet, God calls us to live differently. God calls my heart to not let the anger fester. 

It’s not a said and done thing though to be honest. It’s a moment by moment thing. You see thinking about the unjustness of a situation and feeling like I’m the one actually picking up all the pieces from it even though I didn’t cause a majority of it or the worst of it, can cause my blood to boil. It can lead me to even speak the sentence: “I hate ___”. Then I catch myself and remind myself how strong of a word “hate” is. 

In 1 John 2:9-11 and Ephesians 4:31, we are told to not have hatred toward others or let bitterness grow in our hearts. I must admit that when I would let those feelings boil and take over, it really did make me feel more dissatisfied with my life and less aware of the good things I have that I should be grateful for. It wasn’t good for me. 

It’s interesting to me that the more I learn, the more I see why God has these guidelines as I see how choosing more sinful mindsets and habits really do take a toll on me physically and emotionally. And it’s like “oh my gosh, He’s not a fun sucker. He truly knows what’s good for my heart and mind.” 

That’s not to say anger isn’t justified given certain actions of others whether that’s toward us, friends we care about or a group of people in our world. It totally is and I talk about this more in a different post but bitterness is something that we are warned not to let reside in our hearts (Hebrews 12:15)There is nothing good that can come from remaining bitter and it will only prolong our healing from actions that left us deeply wounded. 

So you may find yourself asking if you find yourself struggling with anger you can’t get rid of, “how do I do it? I can’t. I’m so angry that there’s no justice or consequences taking place to the best of my knowledge for the person or people who caused this”

I would say you can’t. You actually can’t, not on your own. But if you call on God and ask Him to help you not grow bitter and hold your anger for you, I guarantee you, He will. 

And not all at once, (personally, it’s taken me almost 8 months to get here) not immediately but little by little, you will find yourself less constantly angry or consumed by it. I guarantee you. And you may even begin to find yourself genuinely meaning it as you pray for someone else’s healing.

How kind and gracious He is that He does this if we open our hearts to it. 

Have a great week!

Amy